When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 167

Winona stroked her chin thoughtfully. “The entire company… that means they’ll need a small ballroom. Ten people per table… so, thirty tables? Damn, that’s going to cost a fortune!”

Henrietta nodded. “Yes. The ballroom rental alone is in the millions. The menu starts at tens of thousands per table, not including drinks. If they serve expensive wine…”

Winona whistled. “It’s going to be a hefty bill regardless. That just makes me even more curious about who this big shot is!”

“We’ll find out tonight,” Henrietta said.

Winona nodded, then had a sudden thought. “Henrietta, can’t you just ask Mr. Nash to find out?”

Since the dinner was at the Nash Hotel, Yosef could easily check who had booked the ballroom.

The faint smile on Henrietta’s lips vanished. “That’s not necessary,” she said coolly. “We’ll find out tonight. Why go to the trouble?”

Winona chuckled. “I know, I’m just getting impatient. I want to know now.”

“He’s very busy,” Henrietta said dismissively. “There’s no need to bother him with something so trivial.”

Winona, perceptive as always, noticed the subtle shift in her mood. “What’s wrong, Henrietta? Did you and Mr. Nash have a fight?”

Henrietta shook her head. “No.”

“Oh. Good,” Winona said. “You two seem to be doing really well.”

“We are,” Henrietta affirmed, but said nothing more.

Yes, they were doing well. They were respectful, like courteous strangers. They provided each other with all the necessary formalities and emotional support. What was wrong with that? It was perfectly fine.

A short while later, Artina sent out a company-wide announcement about the dinner, including the time and the name of the ballroom. It was scheduled to start at 7:30 PM. She even added a playful note, suggesting everyone take two hours to get ready—do their makeup, change into formal wear. It seemed this was going to be a very formal affair.

After reading the notice, Winona did a lap around the office and returned to Henrietta’s suite. “She’s really putting on a show. But having to go home and change… it’s so annoying. I don’t want to go through the trouble.”

“Then don’t,” Henrietta said simply.

“I have to,” Winona countered. “As much as I don’t want to, I have to. We can’t let her steal the spotlight. We have to dress to impress.”

“Fine,” Henrietta agreed.

“And you know,” Winona added, “while we might not be thrilled about walking into this trap, the rest of the company is ecstatic. Especially the other actors, you know how they are! Even the cleaning staff got invited. I heard a few of them were so excited they went to the wardrobe department to borrow gowns.”

“I was just gauging the mood out there,” Winona continued. “Artina’s certainly won some brownie points with this move.”

Charlotte cut her off. “Don’t worry about it, Henrietta. There will be plenty of time later.”

“You’re right,” Henrietta agreed. “When Mr. Nash is back, I’ll properly invite you both over.”

With that, they left for the Nash Hotel.

The ballroom was already buzzing with activity when they arrived. Being from the same company, everyone knew each other, and the air was filled with chatter and laughter.

Their entrance, however, drew everyone’s attention. After all, Henrietta was the boss.

Employees came over to greet her, and Henrietta responded with polite nods and faint smiles. Once the greetings were over, people returned to their conversations, most of which were lavishing praise on Artina. It was to be expected. Artina was hosting them at a top-tier venue, and they didn’t have to pay a dime. Of course, they would sing her praises.

Besides, to the uninformed, Artina had a pristine image: a popular, sweet, and lovely young actress. The whole company also believed Henrietta favored her—why else would she be promoting her so heavily?

So, hearing the widespread flattery didn’t bother Henrietta in the slightest. In fact, it pleased her.

Seeing that Henrietta and her friends had arrived, Artina herself came to welcome them, followed by a few unfamiliar young women who were presumably her friends.

“Ms. Sargent,” Artina said, dressed to the nines and flashing a saccharine smile, acting as if they were the best of friends.